(Charlotte, N.C.) – The potentially dramatic impacts a new presidential administration could have in the Charlotte-area market are among the wide-ranging issues to be discussed by industry experts at the 10th annual Outlook on the Commercial Real Estate Market, sponsored by the accounting firm GreerWalker LLP and the law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. The free, invitation-only event is Thursday, January 12 in uptown Charlotte.

In addition to addressing proposed changes at the federal level involving regulations, tax code, affordable housing and deal structuring, panelists will analyze how the Charlotte region compares to other US commercial real estate markets; examine the future of retail, mixed-used and other asset classes; project growth rates for the local and national economies and specific market sectors; and identify financing opportunities and challenges. The discussion will also reflect on key lessons learned between 2008, the year of the first Outlook event, and today.

GreerWalker Partner Barry Leasure, who will welcome the gathering and introduce speakers at the event, said the forum will address "the constantly changing dynamics of the local commercial real estate industry, particularly in a Charlotte market that has seen strong recent growth in several sectors." More than 350 attendees are expected.

Speakers and panelists will include Kevin Thorpe, Global Chief Economist at Cushman & Wakefield; C. Walker Collier III, Partner at Trinity Capital Advisors; and Richard Knight, Senior Vice President and Southeast Team Leader at Citizens Bank.

Thorpe, a widely quoted expert relied upon by a number of high-profile media outlets, leads a group that produces studies and statistics on a host of topics affecting the national and local economy. He has developed several econometric models to predict market trends and has authored numerous studies and survey reports. Among other subjects, he has been carefully monitoring developments in monetary and fiscal policy and the impact they will have on the economic and the property market fundamentals.     

Collier has been directly involved in the purchase of about $1.6 billion in real estate assets in the office, industrial and mixed-use asset classes on behalf of Trinity Capital Advisors. He is well versed on the health of many commercial markets throughout the United States, and on their prospects for growth.

Knight, who has 25 years of industry experience in the Charlotte area, is an expert on the apartment, office and industrial markets. He has commented recently on the value of redevelopment in the office sector as an alternative to the high rents and long construction timetables that come with new office buildings.

"For 10 consecutive years, Katten and GreerWalker have offered the Charlotte business community an opportunity to come together, share ideas and understand the impact of the real estate industry on our regional economy," said Dan Huffenus, event moderator and Katten's Charlotte Managing Partner and Real Estate Practice Head. "We look forward to discussing key lessons from the past decade as well as strategies on mitigating risk in what is expected to be a significant, yet uncertain year ahead."

Attendees are required to register for the event in advance. To register, please contact Nancy Coelho at nancy.coelho@katten.com. While the event is free of charge, attendees are also encouraged to donate to Community Link, a local nonprofit that enables individuals and families to obtain and sustain safe, decent and affordable housing.

About GreerWalker

Founded in Charlotte in 1984, GreerWalker provides assurance, accounting, tax and business advisory services to a diversified client base of privately held middle-market companies doing business throughout the Carolinas and around the world. Affiliates include GreerWalker Wealth Management and GreerWalker Corporate Finance. For more information about the firm, call 704-377-0239 or visit greerwalker.com.